Are you having a gathering for Thanksgiving this year? A feast with family and friends? If for any reason you’re not, this post is epecially for you. But even if your day is filled with family, this post may still speak to you.

My special gatherings came early this month filling me to overflowing with thanksgiving. There were three parties and I’m beyond grateful for all the family and friends who joined me to celebrate the launch of my book, “The Windblown Girl: A Memoir about Self, Sexuality, and Social Issues.” Beforehand I wasn’t at all sure what to expect. 

From Famine to Feast

Last Saturday night, I looked around in astonishment as 45 of us celebrated the book’s release. My amazement stemmed from a night years ago, when I called my spiritual mentor, Lois, in tears to say I had no friends. Although I attended Bible Study Fellowship and felt the support of the women there, I was incredibly lonesome. They all had families and after my divorce, mine was gone.

As expected Lois said, “Let’s pray.” She did and this month I could see how God has supplied far beyond what I could have imagined. With an abundance of hugs, people arriving at my sister’s home greeted me. Some drove more than an hour to get there. They came to share my joy–genuine joy that this story is finally published after spending many years trying to make sense of it.

But those who came on 11/20 weren’t the only ones. A week earlier, there was another party with more than thirty friends, many who I’ve known now for more than a couple dozen years. Elizabeth and Wayne opened their home, even moving a fence so we’d have plenty of space. Wendy changed her plans so she could help haul ice and make coffee and take photos and do whatever she could to make the day special for me. Others were available to lend a hand as needed.

Many of us shared special memories. For several years, Elizabeth and Cheryl helped me get my  Christmas trees after my family left. Sometimes they surprised me by leaving the money to pay for the tree in a place where I’d find it. Cindy and Al surprised me several years with firewood. So did David and Karen. Having a fire in my wood-burning stove warmed my cold home not only with heat, but also with friendship during those lean years. Now, it was my turn to give them the gift of my story telling how our great God turned my despair into an adventure worthy of a book.

Finding A Feast for My Soul

Jesus. During those lean years, He was always there. Even when it felt like my soul was starving, and I didn’t feel like I had any friends. Lois prayed and God answered. But it took awhile, and some holidays were especially hard. Yet a couple of years ago when my sister went on a cruise, I stayed home alone for Thanksgiving by choice. Though I had multiple invitations, I realized I could have a special meaningful Thanksgiving whether with many or alone with my God.

Though this year, I’ve had one celebration after another and my friend list keeps growing with Facebook friends I’ve finally gotten to meet in person–I’m most grateful for my relationship with Jesus Christ.

This morning as He spoke to me from His Word, I thought about His faithfulness. He’s always there. Beyond measure He answered Lois’s prayer. I even had a third celebration by ZOOM because some of my good friends live in Canada, Florida, and Arizona.

So I’ll ask, do you need friends? Especially those who pray. I want to encourage you to go to the right places to find them–Bible Study Fellowship is a great place to start. Many of those gals at Elizabeth’s I’ve known for years and we share unbreakable bonds in Christ. I also met Wendy & Elizabth there. Lois taught us for several years and so did Lynda, another close friend who is always there for me. Church is another great place to make friends, especially if you get involved. If you need prayer to get started making friends, please send me an email at patti@ptcovert.com/ to let me know.  As others prayed for me, I’d be happy to pray for you and together we can anticipate God’s answers.